I am about to buy a 2 strobe system. I am likely to buy at least 1 580EX II and possibly a second if not definitely a 430EX II. My question is about the most effective off camera trigger solution. I could buy the Canon ST-E2, but I see most dont use it and I wonder why? Whats the benefit of using the radio popper or pocket wizard system over the Canon transmitter? What am I not seeing?

It's what the flash(es) is(are) sometimes not seeing: The ST-E2 communicates with the flashes by IR, which requires a direct line-of-sight signal. When I tried using that with flashes behind softboxes, they didn't always receive the signal. I have much better luck (probably 98%) with PW MiniTT1 and FlexTT5s. And with the AC3, I can individually adjust the power of each flash (up to 3) right from the camera; I really like using these.

Jimna wrote:
...I am likely to buy at least 1 580EX II and possibly a second if not definitely a 430EX II. My question is about the most effective off camera trigger solution. I could buy the Canon ST-E2, but I see most dont use it and I wonder why?

The ST-E2 is outdated. It doesn't swivel and it's lower in power than a 580EX, so unless one is in a small room where the IR signals can bounce, the slaves have to be forward of the camera -- not always desired.

Also, the ST-E2 is limited to two groups, A & B, whereas Canon's ETTL-II system can handle three groups, A+B+C or A:B +C.

If you have a 580EX II, you can use it as a Master -- either on camera, or off camera using a long ETTL cord -- and use it either as a key light or a fill light, or disable it from firing for exposure while still firing the metering and command pulses. In Master mode, the 580EX/EX II can control three groups, and if using only one slave the flash head can be pointed directly at it for greater range.

As far as radio triggers, it depends on if you're willing to fire the slaves in manual-power mode. If you are, there are many options in a wide range of price points. If you need to have ETTL metering, the options are more limited and more expensive.

If you want to save money, i would look into RF-603 by yongnuo. Its about 30 dollars and will serve you well, since your just starting out. But if you really want the professional gear, pw are the industry standard....

I shoot professionally and use an older version of the Yongnuos (the 602s). I've seen my triggers out-perform many of my second shooters' Pocket Wizards in terms of reliability. Of course this is usually no more than a 50-70 foot range. But like folks said, they're manual control only.

mikethevilla wrote:
I shoot professionally and use an older version of the Yongnuos (the 602s). I've seen my triggers out-perform many of my second shooters' Pocket Wizards in terms of reliability. Of course this is usually no more than a 50-70 foot range. But like folks said, they're manual control only.

+1

My Yonguo 602's have been through tens of thousands of shots without a single misfire. But I mostly use them for macro work, in which the ranges emplolyed are very short. Have also used them without a hitch, though much less extensively, in medium sized-rooms for portaiture. And it's worth repeating that they offer manual control only. But the price is pretty low.